COMPULSORY TRADE UNIONISM.

Evening Star, Issue 24291, 4 September 1942, Page 4

COMPULSORY TRADE UNIONISM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—ln reading over the reply by Mr MacManus to ray letter about compulsory trade unionism, X feel somewhat disturbed that a leader of thought amongst the workers, and a member of the Press Committee, should make such a hopeless Jangle out of a direct statement. To follow him all through his remarkable epistle would be impossible in the space available. I would, however, allude to his statement that I disparaged the efforts of the workers in raising such a handsome sum for patriotic purposes. That statement is entirely incorrect. I attacked the presumption of Mr Herbert in trying to back up his plea for further representation on the Patriotic Council by saying that 20,000 trade unionists were behind his request. This fine job was done by loyal and enthusiastic men and women, not, as conscripted and unwilling trade unionists, but by freedom and liberty-loving people who were anxious to help in the world-wide struggle against oppression. Actually their efforts were directed against the very things that the union bosses impose upon them. When a delegate goes to the Labour Conference lie claims that he represents many thousands of trade unionists, when the only ones he represents are a handful of members who have been bullied into a state of mental stupor, and so rules are made such as this one which compels all workers to pay for the support of a political party which they would not vole for. Mr MacManus writes about peaceful wartime coordination. I ask him was there ever a time in the industrial history of New Zealand when there was a fraction of the unrest, strikes, and dislocation that there are now. And he talks of “ Rafferty’s rules.” [ will take at random an instance from the book of rules and constitution issued to union members. “ The secretary shall i>"epare a financial statement and balance sheet half-yearly. Ho shall furnish each member of the union with a printed copy of the financial statement half-yearly.” Did Mr MacManus or any conscripted member ever know of this being done? The bosses just dare not do it, and yet they blaze away about majority rule, principles, and ideals, and democracy, when all they are seeking is highly-paid jobs and Socialism and equality for everyone except themselves. Highly-paid jobs, where little effort is required, have been created by the thousand in this country, and given to people who could only be described as “ professional voters.” In conclusion I would thank Mr MacManus for his admission that conscripted trade unionism purposely keeps a political party in power. This means, however, that workers of all political opinions are compelled to keep a party in power of which they may wholly disapprove.—l am, etc., . A Victim. August 31.